American Sparrow Hawk

Art Historical Context

Behold the *American Sparrow Hawk* (1832), a stunning plate from John James Audubon's epic *The Birds of America*, masterfully engraved and printed by Robert Havell. Audubon, a pioneering naturalist and artist, captured this petite falcon—now known as the American kestrel—in dynamic flight against a vivid natural backdrop, showcasing his revolutionary approach to ornithological illustration. Published as part of the lavish double-elephant folio edition (1827–1838), this print exemplifies Audubon's commitment to life-size accuracy and dramatic poses drawn from live observations, elevating bird art from mere scientific diagrams to breathtaking compositions. Crafted as a hand-colored engraving and aquatint on fine Whatman wove paper, the work highlights 19th-century printmaking prowess. Aquatint provided subtle tonal gradients for feathers and skies, while precise engraving defined intricate details; artisans then hand-applied vibrant watercolors for lifelike realism. This labor-intensive technique ensured each of the series' 435 plates was a unique masterpiece, making *Birds of America* one of the most ambitious—and expensive—publications of its era. Housed in the National Gallery of Art through the generous gift of Mrs. Walter B. James, this print not only advanced scientific illustration but also ignited public fascination with America's wild beauty, influencing conservation awareness long before it became a movement. A true fusion of art and nature!

About the Artist

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

Robert Havell Jr., born on November 25, 1793, in Reading, Berkshire, England, was the son of renowned engraver and publisher Robert Havell Sr. and Lydia Miller Phillips. Growing up in a family of artists that included notable engravers and etchers, he trained under his father, mastering aquatint techniques early on. Though briefly estranged from the family business, Havell reconciled with his fath...